Developers plan to reduce height of scheme
THE planning application for the multi-million pound Torwood Street redevelopment has been delayed for almost two months.
But it has been revealed the plans for the shopping, cinema and hotel complex near Torquay harbourside have been delayed because they have been changed after feedback from the public.
The height of the 10-storey hotel tower block at the centre of the redevelopment is being reduced, developers confirm.
The site is on land from 4 to 24 Torwood Street and on the former garage of the Royal Hotel, below The Terrace
Drawings were unveiled in April for a four-screen cinema, hotel, luxury apartments, shops and restaurants with covered access from The Terrace to Torwood Street.
Developers New Riviera Estates, which originally hoped to submit a detailed planning application to Torbay Council in May, says the plan has been altered after a detailed public consultation exercise.
After feedback the height of the hotel tower block is being reduced and the design has changed.
Explaining the delay, Peter Tisdale of New Riviera Estates, said: "The submission of the detailed planning application has been slightly delayed because we are making a number of amendments to our proposals, including changes to the proposed design and height, following extensive and constructive feedback from the local community. Nonetheless we hope to submit the application imminently."
Torbay mayor Nick Bye has supported plans for the development of Torwood Street.
When the plans were first announced he said: "I welcome the principle of investment in a key site."
It has been revealed the architect behind the multi-million pound development was fined for 'unacceptable professional conduct' last year.
Architect Trevor Spurway, who has drawn up the plans, was found guilty of professional misconduct and ordered to pay a fine of £1,000 last June.
The penalty came after the Taunton-based architect appeared in front of the professional conduct committee of the Architects Registration Board.
The regulatory body found him guilty after he failed to provide evidence of his professional indemnity insurance.
Mr Spurway said last June's disciplinary action was a clerical error.
He said: "This was an historic clerical matter that bears no reference to the work which we are conducting on behalf of New Riviera Estates.
"All planning and design requirements have been met for the proposed scheme in Torwood Street and the team at Trevor Spurway (Architect) Limited is fully committed to producing a landmark development to benefit the economic growth of Torquay."
5 Comments
by lifeblood, Torbay Road, Paignton
Wednesday, June 24 2009, 10:03PM
“If we add in the rumour that Play and Venue are looking at closing their doors then this area will need some redevelopment. However putting in investment, be it private or underpinned by the council will not help the businesses that these guys are replicating to stay afloat. But then why would the Mayor want that when he can have nice shiney new buildings free of charge? Isnt this more a case of Mr Bye making sure his mayoral vision comes to fruition in any way, shape or form? This redevelopment obviously will be the key to bringing in the cafe culture which only a more middle class audience with sustainable income, like himself, can sustain. It will be such an overwhelming success that Ryan Air will start those cheap flights and BA will begin to offer a first class service for all those celebs the council had walking the prom for our International, only on the same scale as Cannes Comedy Film Festival. Mr Bye will be able to pluck this card from his CV as he persuades the PM to give him some cabinet post as a regeneration whizz kid who saved 14 of the poorest wards in England from self destruction and the rest of us ... well ... as there is no social housing going into Churston Golf Course will presumably end our days living in the sewers.”
by Julian, Torquay
Wednesday, June 24 2009, 6:10PM
“Delays and the name Nick Bye in the same story. Why does that not surprise me!
"Torbay mayor Nick Bye has supported plans for the development of Torwood Street."”
by Margaret Forbes-Hamilton, Tormohun
Wednesday, June 24 2009, 4:23PM
“I went to both the presentations by the developers. I have been speaking to local professionals and have come to the conclusion that the best use for this site would be modern office space. None has been built in the centre of Torquay for many years, and we are losing valuable businesses to Exeter.
This would be a much cheaper and simpler building to construct, and the strains on our sewage system would be far less than for a hotel and apartments. The building would be in constant use all year, bringing trade to the surrounding restaurants, bars and shops. There would be no concerns about the noise from night time trade round the harbour, as the occupants would have left for the day.
There would need to be some parking incorporated into the design, but many users could take advantage of public transport. It would be the ideal situation to have a food hall on the ground floor for the use of occupants, visitors and local residents.
What is important with this site is the provision of "proper" well paid jobs. Let us hope the planners see this, advise accordingly, and don't get bogged down with the "consultants'vision".”
by Baggins, Torquay
Wednesday, June 24 2009, 4:19PM
“All very well getting planning Permission - Quite another getting the finance together to develop the site.
Probably take as long as the Palm Court or Queens to get started - or sold on.”
by Ian, small hotelier not far from torwood street, Torquay
Wednesday, June 24 2009, 10:54AM
“Any development is welcome as this part of Torquay is very run down and dirty but I do urge the planners and developers to consider how many empty shops there are already in the town. The fact that we have a cinema (albeit not the most modern). The fact that this area is blighted by drunks using all the kebab noisy shops as late as 4am ¿ not the ideal place for a hotel or luxury apartments. Most people seem to agree that we need less retail space not more, unless the links into town are drastically improved to increase numbers. But perhaps this regeneration will attract better shops and tourists.”